Sacramento Back-to‑School Backpack Giveaways (2026 Guide)
Even though we’re still in the thick of summer, it’s almost time for kids in Sacramento to go back to school. Returning to school is an exciting time, but it can also be financially demanding. Some rockstar community groups offer free backpacks and school supplies to children in the Sacramento area. Families in need who are struggling with back-to-school expenses can attend these community events at no cost. In addition to supplies, some of the events even offer haircuts for kids and other community resources.
Some backpack giveaways require pre-registration. Take note of the details for each event to check if pre-registration or tickets are needed. Free backpacks and school supplies tend to go quickly at these community events and are distributed while supplies last. Arrive early!
For another affordable option during the school year, use your Sacramento Library card to get into Sacramento and Bay Area museums for free.
Plus, check back here as I regularly share free events in Sacramento for kids throughout the year, including Free Halloween Events in Sacramento for Kids and Free Holiday Events in Sacramento for Kids.
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Editor’s Note: I will keep adding more backpack giveaways to this article as more are announced!
The Hmong Youth and Parents United will host a free Back to School Resource Fair on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Hope Center in Sacramento. Families must pre-register for a backpack giveaway. Kids ages 12+ must register separately. Kids need to be present to receive backpacks. There will also be hands-on activities and community resources.
The Yolo County Children’s Alliance and Washington Unified School District will host its Annual Back-to-School Resource Fair on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at River City High School in West Sacramento. This free event will include free school supplies and backpacks, community resources, and hands-on activities. Backpack giveaways are for Yolo County residents and proof of Yolo[…]
The Exceeding Expectations Project will host its Annual Back II School Giveaway in Sacramento on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Shasta Community Park. There will be a free backpack and school supplies giveaway and the chance to win raffle prizes. RSVP for this event.
Roseville Auto Repair & Lube will have a free Back to School Bash on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Kids can participate in a School Supply Scavenger Hunt to collect school supplies from vendor booths. There will also be free backpacks, food, giveaways, and services, while supplies last, so arrive early. There will also be hands-on[…]
ARI will have a free Vision Board Summer Party & Backpack Distribution on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the ARI Headquarters in Sacramento. The backpack distribution will occur from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Limited backpacks available and pre-registration required. Kids can also create vision boards for the school year and enjoy free pizza.
Clients or caregivers/family members for clients of Alta California Regional Center can request a free backpack during their backpack giveaway on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Registration is required to receive a backpack. All Alta offices will be providing backpacks while supplies last with pre-registration.
Mayor McCarty and Vice Mayor Talamantes present their Annual Backpack Giveaway at Northgate Park in South Natomas on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. This free event will include free backpacks, school supplies, free haircuts, activities, food, and more. RSVPs are encouraged and currently full, however an RSVP does not guarantee a backpack. All students and families[…]
The San Juan Unified School District will have a free Back to School Fair at El Camino High School on Friday, July 31, 2026 from 10am to 12pm. Two free backpacks with school supplies per family for the first 250 families. There will also be free emergency food boxes, diaper distribution, learning materials and resources,[…]
The Midas Auto Repair in Carmichael will have its Annual Bags of Swag Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 9am. Free backpacks will be available for students . Backpacks are first-come, first-serve and children must be present to receive a backpack.
The Sierra Community Medical Foundation will host a free Healthy Families Fitness Festival on Saturday, August 1, 2026 @the grounds in Roseville. The day will include free backpacks and school supplies, health screenings and clinics, free food, family fun, and more.
Destiny Church Rocklin will have a free Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 1, 2026. There will be backpacks, a clothing boutique, haircuts, a BBQ lunch, entertainment, characters, and more. Children must be present at the event to receive a backpack, and accompanied by adults who need a registration ticket to attend the event.
County of Placer Child Support Services will have its Annual Backpack Giveaway – Community Strong on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. There will be free backpacks for kids while supplies last. Children must be present to receive a backpack.
Franklin Boulevard’s 9th Annual Backpack Giveaway will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at part of National Night Out at La Familia’s Maple Neighborhood Center. There will be free backpacks for children, free meals for the first 500 guests, face painting, family-friendly activities, train rides, bounces houses, free popsicles and ice cream, and more.[…]
One Community Health will have free backpacks for kids in K-12 at their OCH Patient & Community Appreciation Day on Friday, August 7, 2026 at their midtown Sacramento campus. Children must be present to receive a backpack and supplies are limited. There will also be a health fair, community resources, snacks, fun activities, vaccinations, health[…]
Families get free pool admission at the Back to School Pool Party on Friday, August 7, 2026 at Cabrillo Pool from 3pm to 7pm. There will also be a backpack giveaway while supplies last, free food, and prizes.
Destiny Church Sacramento will have a free Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 8, 2026. There will be backpacks, a clothing boutique, haircuts, a BBQ lunch, entertainment, characters, and more. Children must be present at the event to receive a backpack, and accompanied by adults who need a registration ticket to attend the event.
For $3, families can choose a backpack and fill it with school supplies as part of the Teen Back To School Store on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Sac Metro Church (6201 Winding Way) in Carmichael from 10am to 12pm. This event is hosted by the Sacramento Chapter of HOPE Worldwide. No registration required. Cash[…]
Hooked On Fishing Not On Violence will have a free backpack giveaway on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Fruitridge Collaborative in Sacramento starting at 12pm. There will also be free school supplies, haircuts, hair accessories, live performances, community resources, and family fun.
Families can pick up a backpack filled with school supplies in a drive-thru at Mack Road Valley Hi Community Center on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 5pm to 7pm. Kids do not need to be present and you must remain in your vehicle.
Free backpacks will be provided to the first 500 registered families with school-age children at the Meadowview Backpack Giveaway on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 by the South Sacramento Family Resource Center – Meadowview. Backpacks will be filled with school supplies at 2251 Florin Road from 4pm to 6pm. Registration is required.
Team Kaplan will be hosting a free backpack giveaway on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at the North Natomas Regional Park Farmers Market. Backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Free school supplies will also be distributed.
